Week 9: Working the Waiver Wire

Finding a solid player on the waiver wire this time of year is virtually impossible. So it's important to target players who have favorable match-ups and plug those players into your fantasy football line-up each week. If your league is like mine, you'll notice there are no RBs that are worth picking up. This problem should take you back to draft day when your strategy should have been to draft RBs. As you'll see in this week's 'Working the Waiver Wire', it's easier to pick-up and plug in WRs week-to-week then it is with RBs. QBs are easier too. At this point in the season, if you're stuck with two weak RBs starting every week, there's nothing you can do about it. So next year, don't be afriad to overdraft on RBs, it might be worth it come week 9. Just some friendly advice as you prepare for next year's draft.   

James Jones – WR Green Bay
With Donald Driver out with a leg injury, Jones gets a great opportunity in week 9. Jones has been inconsistent this season, but faces a great match-up in the Dallas Cowboys this week. Jones must prove this week that he’s worthy of playing or he could find himself on the field less. I expect Jones to have a good showing Sunday and is worth a solid look if you need WR help.

Steve Breaston – WR Arizona
After missing three games because of a knee injury, Breaston returned in week 8 to catch eight balls for 147 yards. Breaston’s return is a huge boost to the Cardinals offense, and look for Arizona’s numbers to improve. With Larry Fitzgerald getting healthier and commanding double teams, Breaston could be in for a solid second half of the season. He’s a WR who can be plugged into your starting line-up each week as a WR3.

Nate Washington – WR Tennessee
I don’t believe the reports that Randy Moss’s arrival is bad news for Washington. I believe it to be quite the opposite in fact. Washington will benefit from Moss, much like Percy Harvin did with the Minnesota Vikings. Washington will be the starter alongside Moss, at least until Kenny Britt returns. However, I don’t expect Britt back anytime soon. Britt is battling a hamstring injury that is likely to keep him out multiple weeks and linger on throughout the season. Washington is a good guy to plug into your line-up after his bye week this week.

Jacob Tamme – TE Indianapolis
Peyton Manning loves his TEs, so it’s easy to put Tamme on this list. With Dallas Clark out for the season, Tamme steps into the role of starting TE for the Colts. Tamme caught six balls for 64 yards and a TD in week 8. Don’t look for him to stretch defenses like Clark could, but certainly expect more goal line targets as he gets more comfortable with Peyton Manning. Tamme is a must add in leagues that require TEs.

Kevin Smith – RB Detroit
It was pretty clear after watching last week’s Lions game against the Washington Redskins, they are a passing team. And who can blame them with Calvin Johnson leading the charge. But the Lions will need to run the ball this season, to both protect Matthew Stafford and help their defense. Smith is the best RB they have to do that. Jahvid Best is a playmaker, but Smith is the RB who can grind out tough yards. He appears to be healthy and looking for more touches. I like him better than Keiland Williams and LaRod Stevens-Howling, who are both getting free agency attention this week.

Josh Freeman – QB Tampa Bay
If you desperately need a bye week fill-in at QB, Freeman is the best option this week. He faces an Atlanta team that gives up a lot of yards and plenty of points. Other options at QB include Mark Sanchez at Detroit, Jason Campbell vs. Kansas City and Colt McCoy vs. New England (McCoy’s a huge gamble, but New England has struggled against the pass at times this season).